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Trail running is a variant on running that differs markedly from road running and track running. Trail running generally takes place on hiking trails, most commonly single track trails, although fire roads are not uncommon. A distinguishing characteristic of the trails is that they are often inaccessible by road except at the trail heads. The trails tend to traverse varying terrain; hills, mountains, forests, and canal systems. Likewise, steep inclines or rough terrain sometimes may require hiking or scrambling. Runners participating in trail runs must often descend these same steep grades. It is not unusual for trail runs to ascend and descend thousands of feet.In the UK the sport its also differs from the historic and traditional sport of 'fell running', which entails racers finding their own route up a hill, mountain or fell. Fell races are often organised on the premise that contenders possess mountain navigation skills and carry adequate survival equipment as prescribed by the organiser.
Trail running in the UK has boomed in recent years with runners from road and fell racing meeting on the trails of the UK over varying distances and terrain patterns, from the South Downs, to the uplands of Wales and the beauty of the Lake District, to the Highlands and lowlands of Scotland.
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So there you go, straight from the horses mouth. So if you fancy getting off the road and want to try something new, exciting and different then Trail Running or even Fell Running may be for you. Heres a couple of sites to help you make that choice.
Good stuff Matt. In my experience, most fell races are on courses fixed by tradition, landowner constraints, and continuity of course records (i.e. records are set on a specific route) and are either partly or fully marked and often partly marshalled.
ReplyDeleteThe distinction, I think, between trail racing and fell racing is that fell racing is, of course, on the fells: so the paths may be narrower or non-extant and the route will be rougher, metalled surfaces will be at an absolute minimum, and more robust shoes with better grip are generally used.
Paul, U&R